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Ecology is pleased to announce the adoption of the Better Brakes Rule!

In 2010, Washington became the first state to pass legislation regulating the content of brake friction materials. The Better Brakes Law, Chapter 70.285 Revised Code of Washington (RCW), requires a phase-out of copper, asbestos, and several heavy metals from brake friction materials sold or offered for sale in the state. Brakes manufactured after January 1, 2015, are required to comply with the requirements of the law and rule.

For nearly two years the Department of Ecology (Ecology) has been engaged in a consensus-based process to develop rules to implement the Better Brakes Law, Chapter 70.285 RCW. Ecology worked with brake and motor vehicle manufacturers, water quality interests, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and installers of brakes. These stakeholders represented interests here in Washington State and around the globe. Ecology is pleased to announce the completion of this process and the adoption of the Better Brakes Rule.